Key Players Return for Glasgow Warriors’ Champions Cup Opener Against Sale

Glasgow Warriors’ head coach Franco Smith has implemented eight squad alterations following their recent URC victory over Scarlets. The team for Saturday’s Champions Cup inaugural match against Sale Sharks will feature the return of seven Scotland international players, with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones forming the midfield pairing. The front row sees a complete overhaul from the rotated squad fielded last Friday, with Jamie Bhatti and Zander Fagerson positioned as props alongside hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Jare Oguntibeju, who debuted against Scarlets, maintains his position in the second row, where he will be joined by Scott Cummings. In the back row, Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge are back as flankers, while Henco Venter remains at number eight. Among the backline players, George Horne is set to start at scrum-half. Tom Jordan transitions from inside-centre to fly-half due to Adam Hastings’ unavailability, and Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are both included as centres. The back three remains consistent, featuring Josh McKay at full-back, supported by wingers Kyle Rowe and Sebastian Cancelliere. Glasgow is also scheduled to compete against Toulon, Racing 92, and Harlequins within Pool 4 of the Champions Cup tournament. Coach Smith stated, “Being consistent in the Champions Cup is a big objective for this group.” He added, “We look forward to the challenge of competing with the best in Europe.” Smith concluded, “We know we will need to be at our best tomorrow night, and we look forward to getting our campaign under way.” The Glasgow starting XV against Sale is as follows: McKay, Cancelliere, Jones, Tuipulotu, Rowe, Jordan, Horne; Bhatti, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Oguntibeju, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Venter. Substitutes include: Matthews, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Miller, Mann, Dobie, Weir.